First News caught up with Bella Thorne, one of the stars of Disney's brand new show Shake It Up. 

How did you get into acting?

When I was younger, my brother and I were models. We came to LA for a job and he booked a TV pilot. I’m dyslexic so I didn’t start acting right away because I was scared about the reading involved. So, I waited a year and saw how much fun my brother was having and that’s when I realised that I wanted to do it too. He inspired me.

What are your plans for the future?

I would love to go to college at USC and study fashion.

What do you enjoy most about being on Shake It Up?

I enjoy getting to dance with my best friend Zendaya. It’s a really big set and we’re all a really tight family. We’re all best friends which is really nice! I love being able to live my dreams because I’ve always wanted to be a dancer and I’ve always wanted to act, and now here I am.

Do you have a lot of fun on set?

Yes, everybody has a lot of fun. At lunchtime, everybody comes into my room and we end up eating, laughing and joking. We sometimes play video games and dance too.

You recently filmed with UK actress, Cat Deeley? What was it like to work with her?

It was so cool when we had her on the show. I have always been a big fan of Cat Deeley because I loved the TV show, So You Think You Can Dance. We thought she was going to play herself but she didn’t, she played a school principal. We really enjoyed having her on set because she’s really nice. I love her accent too, it’s so cool.

What do you do for fun, when you’re not working?

I like to hang out with friends and read about fashion. I also like to paint and I love to dance, even when I’m not on set, dancing is everything to me.

We hear that Justin Bieber is a big fan Shake It Up. Would you like to have him on the show?

That would be amazing! It would be such an honour to work with somebody like Justin.

Can you give us your top dancing tips?

I would say you always have to be focused in order to remember the dance moves and not think ahead too much as it gets confusing. Also, when your muscles are sore, rubbing sports creams into them really helps.

As your friend, what is Zendaya’ best quality?

Zendaya is really sweet and I like that about her. She’s also a little nutty sometimes, which I love, because I’m really nutty too - we get to be nutty together and have lots of fun!

Do you often get recognised by your fans? Do you have any funny stories?

Yes, all the time, I can barely go out. Only joking. Though I was in the movies recently and one fan must have been in the row ahead of us and she cried out, “CeCe Jones is here!” She started screaming and then we ended up signing autographs in the middle of the movie. It was really funny.

What are your favourite dance styles? Are you into R’n’B or Hip Hop?

Hip Hop, locking and popping because that’s what I always do.

Is there a song, that when you hear it, always makes you want to get on the dance floor?

“Boom Boom Pow” by The Black Eyed Peas. It’s a hard-hitting song that is really easy to lock to.

How do you deal with being famous?

I don’t know if there is that much to deal with. You go out, you sign autographs and you take pictures with fans. I love meeting my fans. I think that they’re really sweet. My fans are the reason I’m here so I like to meet them and hear what they like about the show.

Do you have any role models?

Yes, Natalie Portman. She went to college and she’s been working since she was really young. She also likes fashion and helps out with a lot of charities. That’s how I’d like to be.

Do you like to dance in your spare time for fun?

Yes, I love to dance. As soon as music comes on I’m dancing!

What is it about dancing that you love so much?

I like that it’s a way to have fun and it’s something that everyone can do. It’s really fun and it gets people going, plus you can do it with your friends.

How do you spend your holidays?

I always spend my holidays with my family.

What’s your biggest goal for the future?

Go to college at USC, keep acting and get more involved with charities.

If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?

King Tut, the Egyptian Pharaoh. I like Egyptian history and learnt about it at school. King Tut was a king at the age of nine and had a really interesting life.

Do you think anyone can dance, or do you have to be born with it?

I don’t think people have to be born with anything – they can always learn! I wasn’t born with the ability to dance. I was never a dancer before Shake It Up. I have always wanted to be a dancer though and now I am. I think having natural love for something counts and I love to dance.

How does it feel to be an international star and part of the show?

It’s really nice to be part of the show. Everybody works really hard and we have such a really talented cast. We all put everything we have into every episode and every line so I am really glad that people liked it.

Have you been surprised by the success of Shake It Up?

I have always had faith in the show and I was always hoping that it would do well!

What do you think its secret is?

I think Shake It Up has real heart and meaning. When you have a show that everybody puts everything they have into, you are bound to produce a great show.

What gets you in the mood for dancing?

Watching dance. I love to watch the TV show, So You Think You Can Dance. It always gets me in the mood for dancing.

Do you find it difficult to learn new dance moves for each episode?

Yeah, it’s a little difficult as I am dyslexic and my right and left always get confused. I haven’t really had much experience dancing before Shake It Up so it’s definitely difficult, but I do love it.

Do you like fashion and how do you like to dress?

I love fashion! My style is like tomboy rocker with a little bit of punk but sometimes I can be a little girly. I love customising my own clothes with my sister too.

What is your favourite subject at school?

History. I love history because I love learning about things that have happened in the past.

What is the most important thing in your wardrobe?

Shoes! I usually match a dress to the shoes rather than the shoes to a dress. I love shoes, I have lots of them, I probably have too many.